Pipa Croci True Large Smooth Cup and Saucer (Estate)

Pipa Croci was founded by Italian artisans Paolo Croci and Gianni Croci in 1983, and in the decades that followed, the two would make a name for themselves (quite literally) owing to the high-quality, handmade pipes that emerged from their workshop in Lombardy. As Pipa Croci is a thoroughly artisanal enterprise, each pipe is unique, with some being more traditional, and others being more modern.

This particular pipe falls into the latter camp, though it’s something of a deep cut within modern design trends, especially for an Italian artisan work. The most immediate shape it calls to mind is the “Cup and Saucer,” the first “free hand pipe” to have been made by Charatan, back during the late 1950s. There are a few artisans in the Anglosphere that have paid homage to the iconic English original, though it’s far less common in other national scenes. This one’s an impressively grained rendition, too, and adds a distinctive, asymmetric acrylic mouthpiece to the composition that gives it an interesting Italian edge.

The condition is very good. Minor inner rim darkening and some slight handling marks on the bowl.

Details:

Length: 6.5″ / 165.1mm

Bowl Width: 0.87 / 22.09mm

Bowl Depth: 1.96″ / 49.78mm

Weight: 2.1oz / 60g